2022 Tour Divide Preparation & Planning

[ScottM]

Almost ready with the GPX.  Matthew just needs to sign off on it.

The Hartsel route checks out, thanks to Jeff Kerkove for scouting it for us.  See pic below.

We have a route around the El Vado dam so most of 112 and a fair bit of dirt is in to get to Cuba.  Then more dirt south of town! 

[crutlefish]

Almost ready with the GPX.  Matthew just needs to sign off on it.

The Hartsel route checks out, thanks to Jeff Kerkove for scouting it for us.  See pic below.

We have a route around the El Vado dam so most of 112 and a fair bit of dirt is in to get to Cuba.  Then more dirt south of town! 

Thanks for all the hard work being done - is there a rough idea of when it will likely get signed off? Would be good to recon resupply on where things have changed.

[ScottM]

Sorry it is taking so long.  Here's what we have so far.  I wouldn't load this on a GPS yet though.

We are waiting for one more thing -- trying to get the route back on the original GDMBR in the Swan Valley.  It's been a reroute for heavy logging traffic that may not be relevant, finally.  So that's the only change pending.

[crutlefish]

Sorry it is taking so long.  Here's what we have so far.  I wouldn't load this on a GPS yet though.

We are waiting for one more thing -- trying to get the route back on the original GDMBR in the Swan Valley.  It's been a reroute for heavy logging traffic that may not be relevant, finally.  So that's the only change pending.

Cheers Scott for the interim route - much appreciated!

[AndyL]

Thanks Scott for the route file, and for all of the work that goes into it! I'm glad that there is still some dirt in NM despite all of the closures.

I wonder if there will be any snow detours up north. NOHRSC/SNODAS still shows a lot of snow on all of the passes in the Canada and northern Montana. Not as much as 2011, and a lot will melt between now and June 10th, but I suspect there will be many miles of snow hiking if we stick to the main route.

[ScottM]

Thanks Andy.  There's going to be snow, for sure.  V1 file is posted:

http://topofusion.com/divide/gps.php

Let me know if anyone notices anything amiss with it.

Changes:
1. Reroute for fire closure in Gila Mountains (FS150)
2. Reroute through Chama, NM skipping closed Carson and Santa Fe forests
3. New off-highway route north of Hartsel, CO
4. Partial inclusion of GDMBR dirt route from Cuba to Grants
5. Swan Valley logging detour reverted back to original GDMBR.

2022: Swan Valley (just south of Whitefish, MT) logging operations begin June 16th but only 1 mile is affected and remains open to the public. ACA still recommends the detour after June 16. TD will use the original GDMBR here, not the reroute, as shown in GPX file.

[Salubrious]

So the current gpx file shows the Swan Valley reroute from last year rather than the original route? I'm not clear on this.

[ScottM]

It's a touch confusing, I know.

Re-route for logging was introduced in 2019.  It was the route for 2019 and 2021.  But it's been removed for 2022, so we are back on the GDMBR as shown in the GPX.

[Salubrious]

Thanks!

[ScottM]

I changed the wording to hopefully be more clear, thanks.

[danwiz]

can someone clarify if Mike Hall holds the official record for this?  2016 right?  and total time? 

[timon.fish]

Thanks for all the work putting a new route together, ScottM & others.

can someone clarify if Mike Hall holds the official record for this?  2016 right?  and total time? 

Yes, 13:22:51.

[taprider]

^but is Mike's record "official"
weren't there paved road reroutes in New Mexico and the old route through BC?

Actually I think that FKTs are becoming pointless with many races having significant route changes every year.
If people still care about records, then it should be who has won the most Grand Departs/mass start races like for rest of the bike racing world.

[Paul B]

Riders take note; the re-route around the fires in the Gila will take you on Route 180 between Bursum Rd. and Silver City for about 65 miles.  It's the only possible route one can take and thanks to Scott, Matt et al. for working out how to skirt the Black Fire.  That said, you'll need to be careful on it.  Large vehicles are frequent (things with horse/hay trailers, etc.) and there's not a lot of shoulder in some stretches (gets better toward Silver).  If you're SOBO it's mostly uphill toward Silver so you'll be on it for a while after finishing off a taxing part of the route. So you'll likely be tired.  It's safe enough but a good road to have a little mirror clipped onto your glasses.  It'll be a thrill to come over the last rise and see the town waiting for you below.  If you're NOBO you can hammer most of this section as it loses elevation heading out toward Bursum Road.  Then the fun will start.

Paul Barsom

Accidentally posted this as its own topic.  Please ignore that one.

[ScottM]

taprider - you are thinking of Mike's previous run.  The 2016 was on a full course.

Paul - yes good point about the highway on both sides of Silver City.  I've ridden both sides and they are OK but not the greatest.  We debated about skipping Silver completely (on the CDT, bwahaha!) but in the end the lack of 24 hour services in Glenwood or anywhere else trumped that idea.

[taprider]

thanks Scott
so does Alexandera Houchin or Mike Hall have the record for most TD wins ?  
But not as many as Mattew Lee?        ;-)

[Iowagriz]

Scott/Mike - I see the new route skips the first half of the rail trail out of Sawtelle, staying on roads and passing through Island Park.  I'm not complaining, but noticed as I study for changes.  Was this on purpose? Or, a mapping error?

Thanks
Tom

[ScottM]

That's a correction that was made last year to match up with ACA's routing (I think) but definitely confirmed by locals as the best route through there.  I think that part of the rail trail is awful and open to ATVs if memory serves so it was taken out by ACA some time ago.

[Iowagriz]

Perfect!  I've only heard bad about that section, so more gravel is appreciated through there.

[danwiz]

Thanks for all the work putting a new route together, ScottM & others.
Yes, 13:22:51.

thank you sir......who in this current lineup are favorites to "win"?  I see sofiane is on the roster....